Mr. American

By: George MacDonald Fraser

Narrated by: David Case

No one knew who Mark Franklin was when he disembarked at Liverpool in 1909 with a copy of Shakespeare's works, an old Mexican charro saddle and two Remingtons in his battered luggage. He was just another American, tall and softly-spoken. Even General Flashman never guessed the whole truth.©1998 George MacDonald Fraser; (P)2010 Random House

wonderful, wonderful

A long and picturesque book. This odd story employs side stories to entertain - stories of the American West. It brings to life characters whom you will forever love and those who will break your heart with their selfishness. And, not sure how to categorize it, but there are appearances by Fraser's favorite old (and I mean Old) badass, Harry Flashman. There is an elegiac tone throughout which adds to the story's autumnal richness. I thoroughly enjoyed the fine writing and the points-of view of a mature writer. It is a book to savor and to which I shall return.Confession: I didn't quite understand Mr. Fraser's wrap-up, but this doesn't dampen my enthusiasm. He gives you so much to enjoy throughout the narrative that this is a minor issue.David Case as reader was Just Right, too.

I just love the author

What did you love best about Mr. American?

As the descendant of people who left the British Isles this book spoke to me. I liked the characters, but more than that, I liked who it showed the evolution of American culture. The British Culture my forefathers left was rigid and not worth emulating. America for all of its simplicity and "awe shuckness" is a wonderful place that has much less pretense than Britain. This book paints the differences between the self made millionaires of America and the poor upper crust of Britain in the 1900s.

Half ripping yarn, half portrait of a country

Set in the five years before The Great War, Fraser uses an improbable American character to describe England at that time. His technique is to tell a string of stories interspersed with character and culture studies. The effect is completely engrossing and educational too,

David Case is brilliant, as always, performing the many voices to perfection.

Not quite what I had come to expect

From the Flashman Series... although our rogue hero does make a few cameo appearances… George MacDonald Fraser is clearly a master of whatever subject he cares to undertake. Not entirely riveting, Mr. American nevertheless seizes and holds the attention. Somewhat reflective... almost philosophical, and with a certain degree of pathos... The great gust of humor are lacking, but fans of Harry Flashman will not be disappointed by Fraser's ever gripping prose and the usual excellent reading, I've come to anticipate from the narrator.

Cowboy goes to England

Any additional comments?

The setting is 1909 or so England.

I loved this book. Never knew what to expect so it kept me listening to it through to the next morning... Love the main character who was a polite solid quiet cowboy(his background) becoming a gentleman in British society.

The women he meets is a good tale in itself. But of course the story does not end there!

I would call this book a "Page Turner", so engrossing.

I had a chuckle from the "Flashman" books which I read previously. This book has an appearance of the "Flashman" character.

I am a heavy listener to audio books as my first choice, I have listened to over 4,000 of them. I would rank this book in the top 5% for being such an engaging tale and gripping. After the ending, this book is quite thought provoking.

If you liked this book, I recommend that you might also read "The Sea Wolf" by Jack London
performed by Frank Muller. "The Sea Wolf" is a gripping story not the typical read. It too was a "page turner" for me.

I highly recommend that you give this book a try. This book I will probably listen to it again.